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Background information on candidates published in Post Gazette April 29, 2015

City of Pittsburgh

"Two elected officials who started off as allies now are battling each other for the job of Pittsburgh fiscal watchdog. Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak, 35, of Carrick is challenging incumbent Controller Michael Lamb, 52, of Mount Washington for the Democratic nomination in the May 19 primary. No Republicans are seeking their party’s nomination, so the Democratic nominee likely will cruise to victory in the November election. Mr. Lamb and Ms. Rudiak share the belief they have the authority to audit city-related authorities, an issue at the heart of the disagreements between Allegheny County controller Chelsa Wagner and county Executive Rich Fitzgerald regarding county authorities. But the city candidates disagree on how aggressive the controller should be and how closely the office should work with city administration."

"Incumbent Chelsa Wagner, 37, contends that her well-publicized clashes with county Executive Rich Fitzgerald demonstrate her independence. Her predecessor turned challenger, Mark Patrick Flaherty, 53, argues that the same headlines reflect Ms. Wagner's manipulation of the office for political ends."